A 6.1 magnitude earthquake struck the eastern region of Bhutan on September 21, 2009. It was the most damaging disaster that Bhutan has experienced in recent times. According to the Royal Government of Bhutan (RGOB), 12 people died, 47 were injured, about 4,614 households were affected and an estimated 7,290 people were left without adequate shelter. The earthquake caused destruction of infrastructure and institutions including 91 schools, 25 health centers and hospitals, 50 government offices, 281 monasteries, and 485 stupas (chortens) and 7 dzongs (district administration centers).
Following a request by the RGOB, a joint assessment team was formed to carry out a rapid assessment of damages and losses. The team comprised of national and international experts from the RGOB, the World Bank / GFDRR, and the UN system (OCHA, UNDP/BCPR, UNICEF). The primary objective of the Joint Rapid Assessment was to conduct a rapid analysis of damages and losses to estimate the cost of early recovery and reconstruction, clarify priority sectors, and delineate an implementation strategy.
A total damage and loss of US$ 52.6 million was estimated by the assessment teambased on the value of destroyed assets in shelter, education, cultural heritage, health, and government offices sectors. The total cost of damage in the shelter sector alone was estimated at US$23.3 million. Approximately US$ 45.6 million were estimated for early recovery, reconstruction, and disaster risk reduction activities. The cost of early recovery interventions was estimated at approximately US$1.8 million, which includes providing semi-permanent and intermediate structures as well as livelihood assistance to affected population. Total long term reconstruction costs were estimated at approximately US$41.7 million, which includes reconstruction of damaged buildings following a earthquake-resistant and “build back better” approach. Approximately US$1 million were estimated for improving disaster preparedness and undertaking risk reduction activities.